EPA Implementation of Statistical Policy Directive 15
On March 28, 2024, the Office of Management and Budget finalized revisions to Statistical Policy Directive No. 15: Standards for Maintaining, Collecting, and Presenting Federal Data on Race and Ethnicity. The revisions to SPD 15 require federal agencies to use one combined question for race and ethnicity and encourage respondents to select as many options as apply to how they identify. These options now include Middle Eastern or North African as a required minimum category. The revised SPD 15 also requires the collection of additional details beyond the minimum required race and ethnicity categories for most situations.
EPA’s Role in Implementing SPD 15
Since 2022, EPA has participated in the Interagency Technical Working Group on Race and Ethnicity Standards to provide feedback on revisions to OMB’s SPD 15 and its implementation.
As one of the 24 Chief Financial Officers Act Agencies, EPA is responsible for the creation of an “Action Plan on Race and Ethnicity Data” to be submitted by September 28, 2025. The plan will describe:
- How EPA will bring data collections and publications into compliance with the revised standards.
- Potential implementation challenges and mitigation strategies.
- How EPA will meaningfully engage with stakeholders to ensure transparent communication and public participation.
EPA’s Action Plan on Race and Ethnicity Data will be made publicly available after its submission to OMB.
Opportunities to Share Feedback
EPA is currently seeking feedback in the development of its implementation plan for the SPD 15 revision. Interested members of the public can email spd15@epa.gov to submit their thoughts, ask questions or request more information.